Minced Meat Casserole Delight Recipe

Super Juicy Minced Meat Casserole Recipe: A Hearty Family Delight

Comfort meets creativity in this mouthwatering minced meat casserole delight that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine.

Layers of savory ingredients intertwine with rich, hearty flavors that dance across your palate.

Hearty home cooking takes center stage, bringing warmth and satisfaction to every single bite.

Crispy edges and tender center create a perfect balance that makes this dish truly irresistible.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients combine in unexpected ways, turning an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

You’ll find yourself falling in love with each forkful of this delectable culinary masterpiece.

Let’s dive into a recipe that will become your new go-to comfort food sensation.

Why You’ll Love Minced Meat Casserole Delight

  • Craft Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This hearty casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen stress, perfect for satisfying hungry families and friends.
  • Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn how to create golden-brown meat patties and a creamy sauce without complicated culinary skills, making cooking an enjoyable experience for all skill levels.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable to different dietary preferences, this dish can be customized with alternative cheeses, herbs, or meat variations, ensuring everyone at the table finds something to love.
  • Delightful One-Dish Wonder: Combines protein, sauce, and cheese in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup time and simplifying meal preparation for busy home cooks.

What Goes Into Minced Meat Casserole Delight

Meat Base:
  • Minced Meat: A protein-rich foundation that provides hearty flavor and substance to the casserole.
  • Egg: A binding ingredient that helps hold the meat mixture together.
  • Breadcrumbs: Adds texture and helps absorb moisture in the meat mixture.
  • Milk: Contributes to the meat mixture's moisture and tenderness.
Seasoning Group:
  • Onion: Brings a classic savory depth to the meat mixture.
  • Ginger Powder: Adds a subtle warm and slightly spicy undertone.
  • Nutmeg: Provides a warm and aromatic note to the meat mixture.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
Sauce and Topping Ingredients:
  • Butter, Olive Oil: Fats used for cooking and adding richness.
  • Garlic: Introduces a pungent and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
  • Processed Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates a creamy topping.
  • Dill: A fresh herb that adds a light, tangy garnish.
Coating Ingredient:
  • Flour: Used for dredging the meat patties to create a light, crispy exterior.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the sauce.

Easy Steps For Minced Meat Casserole Delight

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn the oven to 180°C (350°F) so it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Meat Mixture

Mix the following ingredients in a large bowl:
  • Minced meat
  • Egg
  • Chopped onion
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Milk
  • Ginger powder
  • Nutmeg
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blend everything until ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Shape and Coat Patties

Form small patties from the meat mixture. Dust each patty with flour, gently shaking off excess coating.

Step 4: Golden Brown the Patties

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry patties until they turn golden brown on both sides.

Transfer to a plate.

Step 5: Craft a Luxurious Sauce

In the same skillet:
  • Melt butter
  • Add minced garlic and sauté briefly
  • Pour in milk while stirring continuously
  • Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika

Cook until sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Construct the Casserole

Arrange fried patties in a baking dish. Pour sauce over patties.

Sprinkle grated processed cheese and chopped dill on top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place in preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and turns bubbly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Allow casserole to cool for a few minutes. Serve alongside fresh vegetables or a crisp salad.

Pro Cooking Tips For Minced Meat Casserole Delight

  • Boost your casserole's flavor by thoroughly mixing meat ingredients to ensure even seasoning distribution. Choose fresh, high-quality minced meat for the best taste and texture. Pat meat patties dry before flouring to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in juiciness. Keep sauce smooth by whisking milk gradually and constantly to prevent lumpy textures. For lighter options, swap processed cheese with low-fat alternatives or nutritional yeast for a healthier twist without compromising deliciousness.

Yummy Ideas For Minced Meat Casserole Delight

  • Spicy Southwestern Fiesta: Replace nutmeg and ginger with cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Top with salsa, jalapeños, and Mexican blend cheese for a zesty kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Blend: Mix in fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Use feta cheese instead of processed cheese. Garnish with kalamata olives and serve with tzatziki sauce.
  • Creamy Mushroom Hunter's Style: Sauté mushrooms with the patties and add a splash of red wine to the sauce. Incorporate cream and thyme for a rich, earthy flavor profile. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
  • Scandinavian Nordic Version: Add diced pickled herring to the meat mixture. Use dill more generously and incorporate lingonberry jam as a side condiment.

What To Serve With Minced Meat Casserole Delight

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Pinot Noir that complements the rich, savory meat flavors and cuts through the creamy cheese sauce.
  • Create Crisp Vegetable Sides: Roast Brussels sprouts or asparagus with garlic and olive oil to balance the casserole's richness and add a fresh, green contrast to the dish.
  • Match with Hearty Bread: Serve crusty sourdough or rustic whole wheat bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a satisfying textural complement to the tender meat patties.
  • Enhance with Tangy Salad: Prepare a light green salad with a zesty vinaigrette dressing featuring lemon juice and Dijon mustard to brighten the overall meal and cleanse the palate.

How To Store Minced Meat Casserole Delight Properly

  • Refrigerator Storage: Seal leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the casserole completely before transferring to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freezer Preservation: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Microwave Reheating: Transfer individual portions to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 160°C (325°F). Place casserole in oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying.

Your Questions On Minced Meat Casserole Delight

  • What type of meat works best for this casserole?

Ground beef or a mix of beef and pork are ideal. They provide good flavor and texture while keeping the patties moist and delicious.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free flour for dredging. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

  • How do I prevent the patties from falling apart?

Mix the meat mixture thoroughly, use an egg as a binder, and handle the patties gently when shaping and frying. Cold meat mixture also helps maintain patty structure.

  • Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?

You can prepare the meat mixture and patties a day ahead, storing them covered in the refrigerator.

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Minced Meat Casserole Delight Recipe

Minced Meat Casserole Delight Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty German Minced Meat Casserole Delight brings comfort and flavor to family dinner tables. Layers of seasoned ground beef, potatoes, and cheese create a satisfying meal that warms souls and delights taste buds you’ll want to savor again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 500 grams (1.1 pounds) minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
  • 1 egg

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • Fresh dill, chopped

Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 teaspoon ginger powder
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 processed cheese
  • 50 grams (1.8 ounces) butter
  • 200 milliliters (6.8 fluid ounces) milk
  • Smoked paprika, to taste
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Craft a uniform mixture by combining minced meat, egg, onion, breadcrumbs, milk, ginger powder, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl, ensuring thorough integration of all components.
  2. Mold the seasoned meat mixture into compact, uniform patties, then delicately coat each patty with a light dusting of flour, gently removing excess.
  3. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, carefully searing the patties until they develop a rich, golden-brown exterior on both surfaces. Transfer the browned patties to a separate plate.
  4. Utilize the same skillet to create a velvety sauce by melting butter and sautéing minced garlic briefly. Gradually introduce milk, whisking continuously to prevent luminal formation, and season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
  5. Simmer the sauce until it reaches a slightly thickened consistency, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
  6. Arrange the golden-brown patties in a baking dish, generously cascading the prepared sauce over them. Lavishly sprinkle grated processed cheese across the surface, followed by a delicate scattering of chopped dill.
  7. Position the assembled casserole in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a bubbling, appetizing golden blanket.
  8. Remove from the oven and permit the casserole to rest momentarily before serving, accompanying it with crisp vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

  • Flour Coating Trick: Dredge patties in flour for a crispy, golden exterior that seals in moisture and adds delightful texture.
  • Sauce Smoothness: Gradually add milk while stirring to prevent lumps, creating a silky, creamy sauce that complements the meat perfectly.
  • Cheese Melting Tip: Use freshly grated processed cheese for even melting and a more luxurious top layer that browns beautifully.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to make the recipe keto-friendly without losing flavor or texture.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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